Global PCB Connections: Rigid-flex and Flexible PCBs—The Backbone of Modern Electronics
Flexible Thinking: The Key to a Successful Flex Circuit Design Transfer
Happy’s Tech Talk #29: Bend-to-Install Semi-flex FR-4
APCT Increases Technology with Rigid Flex Optical Registration from DIS
April 8, 2021 | APCTEstimated reading time: 1 minute
APCT Inc has added Rigid Flex Optical Registration™ (RFS), developed by DIS Inc of Islandia, N.Y. to enhance their PCB registration capabilities. The RFS machine is built specifically to process difficult flex, rigid and rigid-flex jobs. Using DIS, Inc proprietary Optical Registration™ technology in conjunction with SmartWeld, the RFS has the ability to align inner-layers and pre-preg without the use of expensive pin-tooling.
Optical Registration™ allows for optical alignment of inner layers during the lay-up process of multi-layers and sequential build-up technology, eliminating the need to manually punch and pin individual layers prior to lamination. The tolerance build-up and variability associated with traditional pin lamination systems is eliminated.
A vision and positioning system sequentially align and clamp layers together utilizing a full platen, assuring coplanarity and accuracy. The aligned multi-layers are welded together with SmartWeld™, the patented coupled induction welding system developed by DIS Inc.
In addition, Optical Registration™ provides an opportunity to utilize X-ray inspection to quantify registration of welded multi-layers prior to lamination. The panel can then be measured after lamination, providing the data to analyze the lamination process and take corrective actions if necessary.
The process has been in use worldwide at both high tech and high-volume shops over the past several years. Some of the leading-edge requirements placed on PCB shops utilizing pin technologies are not able to be met unless they introduce Optical Registration.
About APCT Inc.
APCT is a leading manufacturer of high reliability rigid printed circuit boards. Located in Anaheim California, the plant is designed to facilitate world class cycle times and support a broad range of technologies. Their corporate culture focuses on continuous improvement and strives for “best in class” in service and support. APCT is ISO9001:2008, IPC 6012 Class III certified and ITAR registered.
About DIS Inc.
DIS Inc. is a worldwide leader in optical registration systems for the printed circuit board industry and an innovative producer of inner-layer/sub-lam registration and welding equipment. DIS has developed Direct Optical Registration™, a new method of optically registering and welding inner-layers/sub-lam such that registration is improved by eliminating mechanical tooling, operational cycle times are reduced and process flexibility is increased all while significantly reducing operating costs.
Share on:
Suggested Items
TRI to Exhibit at SMTA Queretaro Expo 2025
07/16/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading provider of test and inspection systems for the electronics manufacturing industry, is pleased to announce plans to exhibit at the SMTA Querétaro Expo 2025, scheduled to take place on July 24, 2025, at the Querétaro Centro de Congresos y Teatro Metropolitano.
Global PCB Connections: Let the Spec Fit the Board, Not Just the Brand
07/17/2025 | Jerome Larez -- Column: Global PCB ConnectionsIf you’ve ever seen an excellent PCB quote delayed, or worse, go cold because of a single line on the fab print, you’re not alone. Often, that line reads something like, “Use 370HR only,” or “IT-180A required.” These and other brand-name materials are proven performers, but unless your design needs that specific resin system (say, for RF performance, thermal reliability, or stringent CAF resistance), you may inadvertently be holding your job hostage.
IPC Hall of Fame Spotlight Series: Highlighting Lionel Fullwood
07/15/2025 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007Many IPC members who have contributed significantly to IPC and our industry have been awarded the IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame (HOF) Award. Though many early HOF members have passed away and are unknown to today’s IPC membership, their contributions still resonate. This special series on IPC Hall of Fame members provides a reminder of who was honored and why. As a bonus, for those who are still around, we get to find out what these talented individuals are up to today.
TRI Unveils New Platform for Diverse Board Sizes
07/14/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly introduces a new size configuration for SPI and AOI Models.
Seeing a Future in Mexico
07/09/2025 | Michelle Te, I-Connect007The Global Electronics Association (formerly known as IPC) has been instrumental in fostering a partnership with Guanajuato, a state north of Mexico City with 12 industrial clusters and close to 150 companies involved in electronics. This past spring, Alejandro Hernández, the undersecretary for investment promotion in Guanajuato, attended IPC APEX EXPO 2025 at the invitation of IPC Mexico Director Lorena Villanueva, where he met with several companies to discuss the opportunities available in Mexico. He is inviting electronics-related companies seeking long-term investment in a centrally located area with access to highways, railways, and ports.